Caffeine and its artificial analogue (sodium benzoate, preservative E-211), used in the food industry, can cause deterioration in health. With regular and excessive consumption of coffee drinks and products containing caffeine (for example, energy drinks), there is a high probability of developing pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system and cardiovascular system.
Long-term consumption of coffee is the cause of gastritis, colitis, stomach ulcers, hypertension, as well as some neurological and mild mental disorders. Therefore, depending on the consequences of excessive coffee consumption, a cardiologist, gastroenterologist, neurologist, neuropsychiatrist or psychotherapist may be involved in the treatment of caffeine addiction.
In the absence of somatic pathology, treatment for caffeine addiction in our clinic is carried out by psychotherapists or hypnologists. On the recommendation of a doctor, the course of treatment can be supplemented with sessions of relaxation therapy, therapeutic massage or acupuncture.
People who abuse coffee often experience some of the symptoms of caffeine overdose: insomnia, frequent headaches, dizziness, nervousness, mild excitability and increased anxiety.
What is caffeine?
Caffeine is a substance that is found naturally in the leaves and seeds of many plants.
Man also learned to create an artificial analogue, the formula of which is C8H10N4O2, and use it in food. Caffeine has medicinal properties and is used as a stimulant of the central nervous system, causing increased activity. Most people respond to this substance with increased energy and improved mood.
Caffeine is found in tea, coffee, chocolate, various soft drinks, and is also part of painkillers. Natural caffeine has a bitter taste, but in many products this bitterness is masked by processing.
Content:
- What is caffeine?
- Metabolism
- Effect on the body
- Caffeine overdose
- How does it get into the blood?
- Caffeine and pregnancy
- Effect on the stomach
- Side effects
- Harmful properties
- Effects of quitting caffeine
- How to safely quit caffeine
- Benefit for health
- Invigorating springs
The main sources of this substance for teenagers are energy drinks and other soft drinks. Their “work” is noticeable, as a rule, for 6 hours. True, sensitivity to caffeine is an individual indicator. Typically, the younger the person, the less of the substance is needed to feel its effects. Individuals who regularly consume caffeinated beverages become less sensitive to this energizing component over time. This means that they will need to increase the dose again and again to achieve the effect.
Insomnia and anxiety
“Sleep disturbance is a well-known side effect of caffeine, but its manifestations vary greatly. Some people can drink coffee until late in the evening, then lie down and sleep like a baby. Others should stop just after noon, otherwise they will grind their teeth at night, suffering from palpitations and a non-stop stream of thoughts. And here’s another mystery of caffeine: it usually works great to relieve us of drowsiness, but... in some cases it makes it worse.
Amy Wolfson (professor of psychology at the College of the Holy Cross, board member of the National Sleep Foundation, author of The Woman's Book of Sleep - T&P) told me that she is particularly interested in the dependence of high school students on caffeine and the connection between caffeine use and a generation of sleepy teenagers who scientists began to carefully study. In 2006, researchers from Maryland found a link between teens' caffeine use, their sleep problems and their feelings of tiredness in the morning. When Wolfson and a colleague began studying caffeine use among high school students, they encountered a similar situation. Students in the high caffeine consumption group—those who drank coffee, energy drinks, and soda—reported greater daytime sleepiness and a desire for an energy boost with caffeine to get them through the rest of the day.
Insomnia is, of course, painful, but caffeine has another, more unpleasant property: it causes anxiety in sensitive people. This disease is surprisingly common. Take the statistics for any year and you'll find that 40,000,000 American adults suffer from clinically significant anxiety, making it the most common form of mental disorder. John Greden from the University of Michigan has written extensively about the connection between caffeine and anxiety. He noted that while people's susceptibility varies, very large doses of caffeine cause anxiety in almost anyone.
In April, Wrigley introduced Alert, a caffeinated energy gum. The advertising campaign was well organized and the product received a lot of attention. But caffeinated gum has a serious drawback - it can easily be confused with the decaffeinated version. In May 2011, more than 600 primary school students in South Africa fell ill after consuming Blitz caffeinated energy gum. They collected it from a nearby farm where it had been dumped due to its expiration date.
One way or another, it was chewing gum that finally pushed the FDA into action. Taylor made the announcement Monday. On Wednesday, delegations from Wrigley and Mars visited him. A week later, on May 8th, Wrigley announced that it was removing the product from the market.”
Metabolism
Once in the body, caffeine is metabolized into dimethylxanthine derivatives (paraxanthine, theobromine, theophylline), then into monoxanthine, and then into the xanthine molecule. Other metabolic products are di- and trimethyl allantoin, uric acid and uracil derivatives.
Caffeine is easily distributed in plasma, intercellular fluid and inside cells. It also circulates in extracellular adipose tissue. By the way, people who smoke metabolize caffeine faster. Also, differences in the speed of the process may occur among people of different nationalities, which is explained by a genetic factor. But there is practically no difference in the rate of absorption between women and men.
Our body is able to absorb these “energizing molecules” quite quickly. But it also quickly gets rid of them. Caffeine is metabolized primarily by the liver and has a relatively short half-life. Usually 5-7 hours are enough to get rid of half of the resulting substance. For this reason, the cup of coffee you enjoyed before lunch will definitely not prevent you from falling asleep in the evening.
Caffeine can be synthetic or natural (obtained from plants). It is possible to determine the difference between them only in the laboratory. The concentration of any of these substances in the body can be measured by examining saliva, since this substance accumulates primarily in liquids in the body. Caffeine can enter the body through the mucous membranes of the cheeks. Chewing gum containing the substance is characterized by faster absorption compared to drinking coffee, since in the form of a drink, caffeine must first pass through the stomach and intestines, and only then enters the blood.
Caffeine Web
An interesting study was conducted by Dr. Mervyn G. Hardinge at the Institute of Public Health at Loma Linda University.
Dr Hardinge studied two species of spiders using large numbers of specimens. He discovered that one of the varieties of spiders weaves a beautiful, symmetrical web of large size. This is what he used for his experiments. Very skillfully, he measured out infinitesimal doses of caffeine, which he injected into the spider’s body with a very thin needle. Each spider received a dose equivalent to two cups of coffee for an adult. Then the webs woven by these spiders were studied. They all turned out to be completely deformed. They were small in size, contained few rays, and had an ugly shape.
Before the caffeine dose, the web contained 30 to 35 concentric rings. The web, woven even 48 hours after the administration of one dose of caffeine, still remained deformed and contained only 12-13 rings. The same picture was observed after 72 hours. Only 96 hours after the injection, the size and shape of the web returned to normal.
Drugs are not a cure for fatigue. The cure is a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition and rest.
Effect on the body
Caffeine is a product of plant origin, the highest concentration of which is found in coffee beans, tea leaves, soft drinks, chocolate, and cocoa beans.
Also found in some medications (painkillers, allergies, colds and weight loss). In fact, from a chemical point of view, caffeine is a pain reliever and also a substance that enhances the effects of other pain-relieving drugs.
Modern data on caffeine is very contradictory regarding its beneficial and negative effects on the human body.
It is believed that for healthy people, 300 mg of an invigorating substance per day is a normal portion that is not harmful to health. Meanwhile, in some cases it is important to limit the consumption of the substance. Large portions (more than 700 mg per day) help remove calcium and magnesium from the body. It was previously believed that caffeine was one of the causes of osteoporosis. Meanwhile, recent studies have shown that calcium losses caused by caffeine from 1 cup of coffee can be easily compensated for by 2 tablespoons of milk. But in people who are especially sensitive to even minor calcium losses, caffeine can actually cause bone problems. For this reason, women after menopause should not abuse caffeine-containing products, since they are already at risk of developing osteoporosis.
It also acts on the body as a mild diuretic. But again, don't worry that foods containing this substance can cause dehydration.
When talking about caffeine, many people think of coffee first. But this is far from the only source of the substance. Tea, cola and other drinks also contain caffeine. And this explains why, according to research, children aged 6-9 years consume approximately 25 mg of the energizing substance daily, and their parents may not even realize it. Meanwhile, children sensitive to it develop irritability and anxiety.
Caffeine acts as a stimulant, affecting the central nervous system. In the body, this substance begins to act approximately 15 minutes after administration and this effect lasts up to 6 hours.
Caffeine overdose
Consuming moderate doses (up to 250 mg of brewed coffee or 500 mg of cola) helps people concentrate and relieve drowsiness. But higher doses increase heart rate, raise body temperature, increase blood flow to the skin and extremities, increase blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and also stimulate the secretion of stomach acid, acting as a diuretic.
With excessive consumption of the substance, people may experience dizziness, hypoglycemia, nausea, rapid breathing and heart rate, confusion, irritability, insomnia, changes in appetite, dry mouth and other side effects. But contrary to popular belief, caffeine cannot neutralize alcohol in the body.
Application for weight loss
Consuming caffeine wisely helps you lose weight. For the best effect, it is recommended to combine drinking coffee or an energy drink with fitness classes.
Weight loss occurs due to:
How does it get into the blood?
Once in the body, caffeine is absorbed in the intestines by almost 99%. And the concentration of the substance in the body can reach up to 10 mg per 1 kg of weight. The entire absorption process occurs within approximately 45 minutes after ingestion, and caffeine reaches its peak level in the blood within 15-20 minutes. But these are rough estimates, since in each case the rate of absorption of substances depends on physiology and the source. Caffeine is absorbed slowest from chocolate and cola, while caffeine from coffee drinks and substances in tablet form is absorbed faster. But still, it is absorbed most quickly from chewing gum - through the mucous membranes of the oral cavity.
Side effects
Consuming caffeine in moderate doses generally does not have any harmful side effects on the body. Although some researchers convince that regular consumption of 100 mg of coffee daily can subsequently cause infertility, heartburn and intestinal dysfunction.
Consuming high doses of caffeine deprives you of sleep, and a person stops noticing the body's signals about the need for rest. Meanwhile, it is important to understand that caffeine does not replenish energy reserves or prevent emotional fatigue. It simply blocks the body's physiological needs for rest. Over time, this condition leads to the development of depression, causing anxiety, excessive nervousness, sweating and tremors.
Customer Reviews
What do real people say about decaf coffee?
Feedback on the forum
Feedback on the forum
Feedback on the forum
There are a lot of reviews and mostly they are all positive.
Harmful properties
Some studies suggest that caffeine may be harmful to your health. Here are some arguments in favor of this.
- Consuming more than 4 cups of coffee per day leads to early death. Research shows that this dose, taken daily, is enough to increase the risk of sudden death by 21%.
- Increases blood pressure. In people suffering from arterial hypertension, after 2 cups of coffee, blood pressure rises over the next 2-3 hours.
- Increases the risk of cardiac diseases at a young age. Drinking 4 cups of coffee daily is enough to quadruple your risk of heart attack.
- Caffeine can trigger the development of gout.
- Provokes the formation of cysts in the mammary glands in women. It is enough to consume 30 mg of coffee per day to increase the chances of fibrocystic mastopathy by one and a half times. And women who drink 500 mg of coffee are 2-3 times more at risk of cystitis.
- Causes urinary incontinence. People who consume the drink regularly and in large doses are 70% more likely to experience incontinence than others.
- Causes insomnia.
- Causes stomach upset. Especially if you drink coffee on an empty stomach.
- Excessive caffeine consumption provokes headaches.
- Caffeine leads to impaired fertility in women: the chances of getting pregnant are reduced by 27%.
- The risk of miscarriages increases: it is enough to drink 2 servings of coffee daily for several weeks before conception.
- It worsens the health of diabetics because it disrupts glucose metabolism.
- May cause overdose or allergy symptoms.
- Accelerates heart contraction.
- Exacerbates the symptoms of menopause.
- Increases anxiety and depression.
- Caffeine lovers consume more glucose, which is fraught with obesity and diabetes.
- It suppresses collagen production in the skin.
- Makes bone tissue more fragile, which increases the risk of fractures.
Effects of quitting caffeine
People who stop drinking caffeinated drinks may experience discomfort and deterioration in the first 12-24 hours. Typically, the first side effects of caffeine withdrawal include headaches, irritability, nausea, nervousness, and muscle tension. But these symptoms last no longer than a week. Then the body finally adapts to a new way of life.
In order to avoid side effects, experienced people advise switching to a caffeine-free life gradually - reducing the amount of substance consumed every day.
Contraindications
Drinking caffeine in large doses can cause agitation, anxiety, restlessness, tremors (shaking of fingers), dizziness, headache, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, and increased blood pressure.
It is contraindicated in cases of increased excitability, insomnia, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and glaucoma.
People with gastrointestinal and cardiovascular diseases, urolithiasis, cirrhosis, hepatitis C, and gout patients should exclude caffeine from their diet.
How to safely quit caffeine
Try drinking plain water instead of cola first. Stick to this principle for a week. Have your caffeine cravings decreased? This means that the “treatment” must be continued. Now is the time to replace traditional coffee with a similar decaffeinated drink. It is also important to track portions of food consumption. Continue until your daily caffeine dose drops to 100 mg or less. Gradually giving up caffeine-containing drinks will protect you from unpleasant physiological sensations and will also be less “painful” on a psychological level.
Without caffeine, do you feel tired? Make sure you are getting enough rest per day? Better yet, check the vitamin and mineral balance in the body? Drowsiness and chronic fatigue may indicate vitamin deficiency or other health problems. But caffeine does not cure this.
Benefit for health
People who regularly consume caffeine (in adequate doses) report improved concentration and cognitive function. For some people it is a remedy for headaches.
According to some data, it can reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease, liver disease, dementia, and type 2 diabetes. But despite the possible positive effects, do not forget that consuming this substance in large doses can have adverse effects.
In addition, caffeine tablets serve as a cure for migraines. Take 1-2 tablets for a week, and then 1 tablet for a month. It also has benefits for bodybuilders, as it helps increase performance by almost 20%. Bodybuilders consume approximately 3 mg of the substance for every kilogram of body weight half an hour before a planned workout.
By the way, depression of the central nervous system, decreased activity (physical and mental), a state close to loss of consciousness, cerebral vascular spasms (migraine), hypotension and asthma can also be reasons to drink a cup of coffee or a tablet containing caffeine. Even infants are also prescribed this substance as a medicine for certain diseases.
Advantages:
- Reduces pain. Two cups of coffee can reduce post-workout pain by 48%.
- Source of fiber. Two cups of brewed coffee provides 1.8 g of fiber.
- Protection against diabetes. Coffee drinkers (1 cup per day) have a 9% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- Immunity from Alzheimer's. There is an assumption that caffeine can protect against the development of Alzheimer's disease.
- Cure for depression. A 10-year study involving 86 thousand women showed that coffee drinkers were 20% less likely to suffer from depression.
- Protection against Parkinson's. Researchers from Sweden claim that caffeine reduces the chances of developing Parkinson's disease. Incredibly, scientists suggest that this substance can even affect the genetic factor.
- Protection against cardiac diseases. This generally sounds like science fiction, since traditional medicine prohibits people with heart problems from consuming caffeine. But Korean researchers say 3 cups of coffee a day improves health and reduces the chances of heart disease.
- Stronger DNA. The European Journal of Nutrition once reported that the DNA of coffee drinkers is more stable and without damage. They say that this is again due to caffeine.
- Less chance of multiple sclerosis – 4 cups of caffeinated beverage per day can protect against multiple sclerosis, preventing neuronal damage that causes the disease. At least that's what researchers from Sweden think.
- Reduces the risk of cancer. Moderate caffeine consumption reduces the risk of colon cancer by 26%. This was stated by scientists from California after a study involving 5,100 people. And another group of scientists from a cancer center in Southern California noticed that coffee drinkers were 29% less likely to get liver cancer.
- No gout. A study involving more than 50 thousand people allowed scientists to conclude that coffee protects men from gout. It is believed that this is the “work” of caffeine. Although no one can give a 100% guarantee of this yet. Moreover, there is a completely opposite opinion that it is precisely this that causes gout.
In addition, some experiments have shown that caffeine can stimulate sexual desire in women, protect against early death (according to Japanese scientists), prevent tooth decay, retinal damage and even melanoma.
Antioxidant action
Free radicals are substances formed as a result of unfavorable environmental factors affecting humans (ultraviolet radiation, high temperatures, radiation), which are characterized by strong chemical activity, enter into unwanted interactions, and cause damage or cell death. The ability of radicals to act on DNA (genetic material) leads to its breakdown and the development of tumors.
Caffeine has powerful antiradical properties - it removes hydroxyl compounds, modulates the synthesis of nitric oxide in cells, while reducing the damaging effects of radicals. Moreover, the caffeine-free drink contains the same amount of antioxidants.
Drinking antioxidant-rich coffee daily reduces the risk of developing:
